But even the Army leadership cannot seem to agree on how serious the issue is.

Army leadership reacted by starting to plan for a reduction in strength.

But others who are close to the army leadership say that its commander is already preparing his exit.

Despite numerous staff studies and recommendations, the request never gained the support of senior army leadership.

"A lot really depends on the kind of role that the army leadership in Pakistan decides to play," a senior official said.

He would later become a key participant in the 30 September Movement against top army leadership.

The Army leadership felt these guys should be sternly dealt with.

"It's the one thing I've asked the Army leadership to change, because you have such a disparity in education," he said.

But some Haitian leaders are convinced that the army leadership is trying to find a face-saving way out of this crisis.

The army leadership is strongly opposed to recognizing that the guerrillas control any territory.